Author: Mark Schultz

Mark Schultz is a high school football official, freelance writer and journalist. He first became interested in officiating when he was six years old, was watching a NFL game with his father and asked the fateful question, "Dad, what are those guys in the striped shirts doing?"

Myth debunked: Referee Ben Dreith actually worked Patriots games after the Sugar Bear Hamilton call

by Mark Schultz - 0588

Football Zebras research can debunk a popular myth. After referee Ben Dreith's controversial roughing the passer in the 1976 playoffs -- a penalty against Patriots defensive tackle Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton that kept the Oakland Raiders' game-winning drive alive -- the myth is Dreith never worked another Patriots game the

Big Ten Conference recruits women and minorities at spring event

by Mark Schultz - 0800

The Big Ten Conference held a clinic in April and invited women and people of color to learn more about being an official in one of college football's biggest conferences. The focus of the clinic was to highlight efforts of diversity, equity and inclusion. https://www.footballzebras.com/2020/10/in-a-year-of-awakening-big-ten-fields-a-historic-officiating-crew/ Former NFL referee and current Big Ten

Breaking down the new NFL officiating hires

by Mark Schultz - 31516

Football Zebras was first to report the news on May 3 that the NFL hired 10 new officials. As we digest the news, here are a few things that I have noticed. Commitment to diversity The NFL continues to hire minority and female officials. Down judge Robin DeLorenzo (pictured) becomes the third woman

Johnny Grier, NFL’s first Black referee, dies at 74

by Mark Schultz - 03569

Johnny Grier, the NFL's first Black referee and field judge for Super Bowl XXII, has passed away at the age of 74. Grier worked in the NFL from 1981 to 2004. He wore number 23 for most of his career. According to the Washington Post and the New York Times,

Eyes turn to incoming officials and a new referee

by Mark Schultz - 14777

The 2021 NFL season has come to an always abrupt halt. The confetti is swept off the Sofi Stadium floor and we now prepare for the 2022 season. But, before the NFL kicks off its 103rd season with the Hall of Fame Game in August, the officiating office has some

Super Bowl LVI photo album

by Mark Schultz - 01964

We bring the 2021 photo album series to a conclusion with the Super Bowl LVI photo album. Thanks to team photographers and Getty Images. Click on a photo to begin the gallery: From Getty Images: http://gty.im/1370400298 http://gty.im/1370395520 http://gty.im/1370394342 http://gty.im/1370388392 http://gty.im/1370385880 http://gty.im/1370385630

5 Super Bowl LVI officiating observations

by Mark Schultz - 32996

The longest NFL season ever has come to an end with a compelling Super Bowl. Here are five officiating observations from another classic game. 1. Another nice coin toss https://streamable.com/hho2ii Over the years I've railed against the crush of media and hangers-on for the Super Bowl coin toss. Last year, the coin toss

Super Bowl LVI officiating crew by the numbers

by Mark Schultz - 13081

As we approach Super Bowl LVI, let's break down the officiating crew by the numbers. 1. Half of officials in the Super Bowl era get the assignment (and half do not) A total of 411 people have officiated at least one season in the Super Bowl era (not including replacement officials). In